Turn to Starboard was founded by RAF Squadron Leader (Rtd) Shaun Pascoe. The idea of using sail training to help Forces personnel overcome the challenges of transition to civilian life was inspired by Shaun’s own personal experience. Shaun served on numerous tours during his sixteen years in the RAF, including Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and repeatedly to Afghanistan as Officer Commanding of the Medical Emergency Response Team. The nature of his operational work meant the transition on coming home became an increasing challenge. After his second tour of Afghanistan Shaun raised money from various charitable sources and purchased windsurfing equipment and a rescue boat. As a windsurfing instructor Shaun taught those returning from operations with an emphasis on meeting others in similar positions.

Approaching his last year in service, Shaun obtained his Yachtmaster Offshore and used this qualification to begin providing sailing opportunities for others. In order to ensure the governance of what he was doing, Shaun registered as a charity with the Charity Commission in July 2012 and Turn to Starboard was born. This is a rewarding and uplifting story of how adversity can be turned into a very positive contribution to society.

Programme Autumn 2018

Talks begin at 8.15pm, bar and coffee open from 7.30pm

Dave Selby

Marlin's Mission

Dave Selby is a passionate sailor who's been fumbling around the east coast for years in Marlin, his 18-ft Sailfish, without dying once. In 2016 the PBO columnist set off on Marlin's Mission to sail 340 miles up the Thames to London and on to Southampton to exhibit his boat at The Southampton Boat Show. The aim was to demonstrate that cost is no barrier to getting afloat. More details

Rosemary and Alfred Alecio

Ironhorse

Alfred and Rosemarie Alecio, world cruisers, will first present a brief summary and comment on their 23 years of circumnavigation. This will be followed by an account of the untimely end to their adventure, when they were rescued in the Indian Ocean in 2015. More details

John Apps

Islands in the Sun

John will talk about some of the islands that he has enjoyed sailing to that will from time to time experience sunshine. Places like Bornholm, Rugen, Helgoland, Porto Santo and Rhode... He might even mention Thanet! More details

Captain William Hargreaves

Sharing the Solent - a Southampton Pilot's perspective

Everything you need to know about piloting large vessels in and out of Southampton, from planning to berthing and the requirements to become a Southampton pilot. Bill will tell us how it's done and how he came to be a Senior pilot. This is your chance to meet the expert.. More details

Kevin Patience

The True Story of the African Queen

Almost everyone has seen the 1953 film ‘The African Queen’ starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. The film is set in German East Africa (now Tanzania) in the First World War. New research by Kevin has identified the real events that were adapted to make the story. These are some of the strangest naval true stories to come out of East Africa at that time. More details

RNLI Christmas Cards will be on sale this evening - bring some money...

Jane Percival

Vintage Boats

Jane is the Commodore of the Thames Vintage Boat Club, whose members restore, maintain and use vintage boats. They also aim to keep a historical record of all traditional craft on the Thames. Her talk will include restoration of National Historic Ships, Operation Dynamo and the discovery of a missing Dunkirk Little Ship. More details

Shaun Pascoe

Turn to Starboard

Turn to Starboard was founded by RAF Squadron Leader (Rtd) Shaun Pascoe. The idea of using sail training to help Forces personnel overcome the challenges of transition to civilian life was inspired by Shaun’s own personal experience. This is a rewarding and uplifting story of how adversity can be turned into a very positive contribution to society. More details

Ian Shields

CHIRP

An experienced shipmaster, Ian will provide an explanation of what ‘CHIRP’ is and its relevance to leisure users. His talk will include insights on misuse of equipment, interaction between high and low speed craft and examples of when CHIRP’s intervention has made a difference.More details

Stuart Gaunt

The Defensive Towers of Britain

Throughout history, the tower has been the primary means of defence against attackers and invaders. From lookout towers to battlements and sea forts. Stuart will show us how Britain has defended herself from offensive hoards in the past, present and future. More details

Cast Off for Christmas

Members and their guests will enjoy the usual short presentations about sailing incidents, photo competition, quiz and festive entertainment, all accompanied by snacks and mulled wine.